New heart stent could replace drug eluting stents for treatment of blocked arteries
Since last fall, there have been concerns about problems with drug eluting heart stents, which could increase the risk of potentially fatal blood clots. Researchers are developing a new type of absorbable heart stent, which could provide a safer alternative to replace drug eluting stents as the primary treatment option for blocked arteries in the future.
>>INFORMATION: Drug Eluting Stent Problems
Stents are tiny mesh scaffolds which are used to prop open clogged arteries. They originally were introduced as bare metal devices which were permanently implanted into the artery. The bare metal stents were shown to increase the risk of restenosis, or re-narrowing of the artery as a result of scar tissue caused by the stent. To reduce the risk of this problem, drug eluting stents were introduced in 2003 and 2004, which placed a medicated coating on the metal to reduce scarring. However, as a side effect of the medicated stents, heart patients have faced an increase in the risk of blood clots, which could lead to a heart attack or re-clogging of the artery.
Reports regarding the dangers of drug eluting stents began to surface in September 2006. At that time, drug eluting stents accounted for nearly 90% of all stents used and generated annual sales of annual sales of about $5 billion. Recently sales have fallen sharply as doctors and patients have considered *alternatives to stents, such as heart bypass surgery and medications. Thousands of injured heart stent patients are pursuing lawsuits against the manufacturers for failing to warn about the risk of blood clots.
>>INFORMATION: Heart stent lawsuits
In the June 2 edition of The Lancet, a report indicates that new heart stents, known as a biodegradable or absorbable stents, could provide a future alternative to drug eluting stents. They are designed to last long enough to open the blocked artery, and then slowly dissolve without leaving any permanent device behind.
Researchers hope that biodegradable stents will eventually gain FDA approval and replace drug eluting stents as the first choice for treatment of blocked arteries in the United States. However, there has only been limited testing in humans.
The article published in The Lancet, focused on tests conducted by doctors in Germany and New Zealand involving absorbable heart stents made with magnesium. The stents are designed to last approximately four months. According to a one year study, which evaluated their use in 63 humans, not one of the participants had a blood clots form within the stent and there were no heart attacks or deaths. However, about 45% of those in the study had to have their artery reopened within a year of the stent placement, with 24% requiring a reopening within four months.
DRUG ELUTING STENT LAWYERS
The lawyers at Saiontz Kirk and Miles, P.A. are currently investigating heart stent lawsuits for individuals who suffered a heart attack or reclogging of the artery after receiving a drug-eluting stent. If you, a friend or family member have been injured by a stents, request a free claim evaluation. No fees are taken until recovery is obtained.
